Environmental · Groundwater
Groundwater Contamination Plume Model
Advanced 5 weeks 40-50 hours
Model how a contaminant plume moves and spreads through groundwater over time in Python or Excel, then run a sensitivity analysis.
Major
Environmental
Focus area
Groundwater
Total hours
40-50 hours
What you'll need
- Software only - Python (NumPy, Matplotlib) or Excel, published aquifer properties, USGS groundwater data
Steps
- Calculate groundwater velocity with Darcy's Law.
- Build a 1D model using the Ogata-Banks advection-dispersion solution.
- Add retardation to show contaminants that move slower than the water.
- Expand to a 2D finite difference model to show sideways spreading.
- Run a sensitivity analysis and estimate when the plume reaches a well 100 meters away.
- Document your plots and model for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- Plume plots over time
- concentration vs distance chart
- sensitivity analysis chart
- model setup
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Built a 2D advection-dispersion model in [Python/Excel] to predict contaminant plume migration over [X] years
Ran a sensitivity analysis showing arrival time at a downgradient well changed [X]% with hydraulic conductivity
Quantified results with [insert your result, such as removal percentage, accuracy, strength, or cost savings] and summarized findings in a technical report
Skills you'll show off
Groundwater hydrologycontaminant transportnumerical modelingPythonsensitivity analysis